Velasof

Velasof Tablets Uses and Benefits

Velasof consists of two direct-acting antiviral agents i.e. Sofosbuvir 400 mg and Velpatasvir 100 mg used against Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infected patients. The combination has shown its efficacy with over 95% response against the viral cells. Both sofosbuvir and velpatasvir work by lowering the growth and removing the amount of HCV from the body.

Velasof (sofosbuvir + velpatasvir) is specified against almost all known genotype of HCV i.e. 1 to 6. However, it is not recommended in patients with a history of hepatitis B viral infection owing to the risk of severe side-effects.

This is recommended orally once daily in a form of 1 tablet. The tablet includes sofosbuvir 400 mg and velpatasvir 100 mg and can be taken with or without food. In scenarios where the patients are at higher risk of liver disease, ribavirin is added for the sustained response. Lastly, the duration of treatment remains the same in all genotypes i.e. 12 weeks.

In HCV patients without scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and compensated cirrhosis, only Velasof (sofosbuvir + velpatasvir) is utilized. Whereas, in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, ribavirin is combined with this medicine irrespective of genotype. However, in patients with severe or end-stage kidney disease, the dosage recommendation is still unfixed.

Anti-resistant property of velpatasvir:

Combining sofosbuvir with velpatasvir allows a barrier to resistance in comparison to other anti-HCV agents. This property makes the medicine an ideal option for HCV patients irrespective of genotype.

Warnings signs related to Velasof (sofosbuvir + velpatasvir):

Kidney disease:

• The patients should be checked for signs of kidney disease and accordingly, the dosage should be either stopped or modified
• If patients are undergoing dialysis therapy, inform the doctor regarding the same

Pregnancy-related issues:

• This medicine may cause problems to the unborn child. After the treatment is over, avoid pregnancy at least for 6 months
• Males who are taking this medicine, should consider contraceptive methods during sexual intercourse for better health

Other warnings:

The safety and tolerability of this medicine may get hindered due to the consumption of other medicines. Inform your doctor regarding all medications.

Side-effects of Velasof (sofosbuvir + velpatasvir):

Serious side-effects: Slow heart rate (bradycardia) with symptoms like shortness of breath, fainting, weakness, confusion, and chest pain.

Most common side-effects:

• Headache
• Tiredness (Fatigue)

The side-effects of HCV patients differ according to the type of cirrhosis. In all cirrhotic types, nausea and lack of sleep (Insomnia) are the most common side-effects along with the headache and tiredness. Whereas other side-effects include,

• Physical weakness (Asthenia) in patients without cirrhosis or compensated cirrhosis
• Diarrhea and low count of red blood cells (Anemia) in patients with decompensated cirrhosis

Note: These are not all side-effects of Velasof (sofosbuvir + velpatasvir). Kindly consult your healthcare provider for more information.